Someone once asked me, If someone told you that children should try to achieve more than just

being a teacher; that they should strive to become a doctor, scientist, or engineer, what would your response be? My answer to this question is, Without teachers, there would be no doctors, scientists, or engineers. I believe that teaching is the most important career available; effective teaching provides a solid foundation that allows children to continue learning and growing intellectually. These children eventually grow into adults to become part of society and the community, contributing in some way. If those students were unable to receive that education, many would not become successful within society or the community. Effective teaching does not simply mean to teach a lesson, but to show an enthusiasm and excitement for life-long learning, teaching, exploring, and discovering, while showing empathy for every student. Teachers should come to an understanding about each student; their behaviors, their interests and disinterests, their favorite subject in school, their learning achievements and/or needs, and their multiple intelligences. By developing lessons that draw on a variety of different intelligences, teachers can hope to better meet the needs of many more students than through one method alone (VCU, 2010, para. 3). A teacher should strive to create a comfortable learning environment in which every student has the opportunity to learn in their own way. To accomplish this, a teacher should differentiate instruction for each of the multiple intelligences, while also differentiating instruction for individual diverse learners. Every child deserves a high-quality, fair, and equal education no matter the childs circumstances, background, culture, religion, gender, race, disability, or anything else. I am a teacher that provides a learning atmosphere in which students are excited to be a part of because each student is just as important as the next. Lesson delivery should be student-centered with teacher assistance and limited lecture. I believe the best way for students to learn is by discovery learning. Jerome Bruner is the originator of the discovery learning theory. Discovery learning encourages students to actively use their intuition, imagination, and creativity. A discovery learning approach uses inductive reasoning by starting with the specific and moving to the general (Pearson, 2010, para. 3). Discovery learning includes discussion sessions, question and

answer session, investigation, and more. One very important aspect of discovery learning, however, is checking for understanding. A teacher must ensure students understand what they are doing or learning, so they are not confused during the investigation process. Lesson delivery should also include clear objectives and standards so students understand what they are working toward, and what they are required to know by the end of a lesson or unit. A teacher should always set expectations for students, and students should always know what those expectations are; students who know the expectations are likely to begin and finish work with limited issues. I chose to become a teacher to help others succeed; to ensure that students who cross my path receive the best education possible. As Nelson Mandela once said, Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world.

Reference PEARSON, (2010). Jerome Bruner and Discovery Learning. Retrieved April 16, 2014 from http://wps.prenhall.com/chet_mills_internet_1/0,11172,2580422-content,00.html VCU (2010). Teachers help students succeed by using multiple intelligences theory in the classroom. Received April 16, 2014 from http://www.ttacnews.vcu.edu/2010/09/by-laura-c-peters-ma/